Big cheers to Saina for winning 2nd place at the NATS Singing Compeition! We are so proud of your achievement! Join the applause for this rising star!
Arwen Wei wins 1st Place at Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso International Competition
We are thrilled to announce that Arwen Wei just won 1st Place at the Bonn Grand Prize International Competition & was invited to perform in Bonn, Germany. She also won 2nd Place at the Charleston International Music competition.
Arwen began her musical journey in our Harmony Road program and continued with private lessons with the late Dr. Alexander. She currently studies with Dr. Ilias.
Congratulations Arwen! Your outstanding accomplishments make us immensely proud!
Q & A with Dr. Yifan & Listen to His New Album
Meet Dr. Yifan, a Distinguished New Mozart faculty. He received his DMA from Iowa University and MM from Manhattan School of Music. Scroll down to listen to his recently released album.
1. How old were you when you started taking music lessons and which instrument did you start with?
I started my first piano lessons when I was five years old in my hometown in China. Before I was formally introduced to the piano, I had a strong interest in keyboard instruments and classical music. At that time there was an electronic keyboard in my room, and I would try to reproduce the melodies and harmonies I had heard and play it on my keyboard without any sheet music. It was this keen interest that made me and my parents decide to start my professional piano studies.
2. When did you start taking music seriously and who/what inspired you to become a musician and music teacher?
I started my more formal and serious piano studies at the age of five with a very authoritative piano teacher in my hometown. I completed the highest level of the piano proficiency exam in China at the age of 11 with excellent grades. In addition to my own interest, my mother has given me tremendous help and encouragement during my piano studies. As a local music teacher, she fully understood my love for piano and provided me endless financial and emotional support.
3. Tell us about your musical and teaching background.
As a piano performer, I was admitted to the Tianjin Conservatory of Music (China) in 2011 with the first place in piano major, won the first national scholarship for four consecutive years and obtained my bachelor’s degree with merit. I received the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City in 2018, where I studied intensively with Steinway artist and Grammy Award nominee Dr. Joanne Polk, and held two successful solo piano recitals in New York City. I completed my D.M.A (Doctor of Musical Arts) at the University of Iowa in May 2023, and released a solo piano CD at the same year, premiering solo piano works by Ignaz Moscheles, which were well received by my professors in UI and the public. During my studies I gave four solo recitals and six chamber music concerts in Iowa City, and also been involved in various public performances, such as charity concerts in hospitals, nursing homes, churches, museums, and local government institutions.
As a piano educator, I have accumulated over eleven years of extensive teaching experience, having spent long periods of time at the Rome Piano School in New York City and at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, effectively and professionally teaching piano students of all ages, from young children to college students and adults, and helped them develop an interest and confidence in playing piano through approachable and creative teaching methods.
4. What do you hope to achieve in teaching students?
As a piano teacher, I sincerely hope that my students will get pleasure and satisfaction from learning piano, and not just as a task to be completed.
Music is something to be enjoyed and perceived, and only a deep desire and willingness to learn will lead to continuous progress. Therefore, I will do my best to cultivate the passion and interest in piano music through different ways according to the personality of each student.
Secondly, passive learning is usually not the best way to go. I want to guide students to have their own perception and independent thinking about music. I will try to ask more questions in lessons and lead the students step by step to find the answers and to memorize some fundamental knowledge through their own analysis. The role of the teacher is more to guide the student through the right path to acquire the professional skills that will empower them to explore their own musical journey.
Finally, a solid foundation is the cornerstone of any learning process. I will work hard to provide students with a good foundation in the beginning in terms of hand positions, seating requirements, and basic music theory, so that they can be more comfortable and make faster progress in more in-depth studies later on.
5. What do you love most about teaching?
I enjoy teaching piano and working with my students. Having been a piano student for over 25 years, I hope to share the experiences and methods I have learned with my students so that they can have a more professional and effective learning environment. Teaching is also a mutually beneficial process in which I can enrich my own musical knowledge through my students' perspectives and insights. More crucially, seeing my students' excitement about their progress, their growing love for piano music and their proficiency and confidence in playing is the most delightful and heart-warming thing in my teaching process.
6. Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students?
Definitely! Although a lot of practice is the most important way to progress and improve your piano skills, it is also crucial to use your time more wisely and to practice in a more efficient way.
First, slow practice does not mean it will take up more time, but will help us maintain an accurate and consistent beat while paying more attention to the details in the music. Secondly, it is important to have a detailed and realistic plan before each practice session, such as goals to be achieved or problems to be solved, and try to stick to those goals during the practice. Finally, practice sessions should not be too long. I recommend taking a five to ten minute break after every half hour or one hour of practice to ensure that your body, arms and wrists are relaxed.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing?
Besides piano, I also like photography, swimming and traveling. I enjoy exploring more different places, landscapes, cultures and music. In my spare time, I also love to compose and produce electronic music by using DP9 and Logic Pro, and I already have some original works that lean towards electronic and jazz styles.
Dr. Yifan released a piano solo CD last month, and premiered several piano works by Ignaz Moscheles. Here are the links to the mp3 files:
Les Charmes de Londres, Op. 74 (1827)
1. Les Charmes de Londres, Op. 74 (7:10)DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/e2xy-7k03
Rondeau expressif on a Favourite Theme of Gallenberg, Op. 71
2. Rondeau expressif on a Favourite Theme of Gallenberg,Op. 71 (7:34) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/561a-p513
Variations on a Theme of Handel, Op. 29 (1814)
3. Variations on a Theme of Handel, Op. 29 (9:10) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/zpyf-jp97
Fantasia Brillante on Themes of Benedict’s Opera “The Bride of Venice”
4. Fantasia Brillante on Themes of Benedict’s Opera “The Bride of Venice” (9:27) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/rm8v-x528
Airs from the Grand Opera of Fidelio, Book II (1830)
5. Overture: To the 2nd Act (4:09) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/qrfm-d491
6. Florestan’s Air (4:55) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/zc9f-1x75
7. Duett (4:59) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/fe7k-k747
8. Terzett (5:35) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/4ayp-n444
9. Duett (2:37) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/rrwy-eq93
10. Finale of the 2nd Act (2:02) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/x1da-tx51
11. The Final Chorus (3:49) DOI: https://doi.org/10.25820/eznp-6v29
Student Highlight - Haha Zhang
We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our amazing students - Haha Zhang!
This talented young pianist started lessons only 2 years ago. At just 6 years of age, he has won numerous competitions. We are so proud of his accomplishments and can't wait to see what the future holds for him.
1. What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Haha Zhang. I am 6 years old.
2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?
I have been studying music for more than two years. I started learning piano when I was 4 years old.
3. What pieces are you currently working on?
I am working on "Pumpkin Boogie", "House of Mirrors" and "Beach Party" from Fabers' books.
5. How often do you practice?
I practice piano almost everyday.
6. Why do you love music?
I love Jazz music the most, because Jazz music can always make me feel excited!
7. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.
* First Prize Winner of the 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition.
* Championship of the 25th International Children and Youth Competition (Early Childhood Group).
* Bronze medal from the Quebec Music Competition (5-year-old group).
* Honorable Mention Award of the Bay Area Piano Competition (2022 Summer)
8. What are some things you like doing besides music?
Besides playing piano, I love sports, chess and playing video games.
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to become a flag football player when I am a teenager.
For my career, I want to be a nature scientist or a mathematician.
Celebrating New Mozart's Longstanding Teachers
As we continue to celebrate our 20th year in Palo Alto, we are proud to celebrate the commitment and dedication of our talented teachers.
Here are teachers who have been with us for over 10 years. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the New Mozart community.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to these teachers for their hard work, passion, and commitment to our students. Thank you for helping to make New Mozart a thriving and dynamic music school!
Student Highlight - Penelope Cheung
In this photo, Penelope performs at the Musikverein in Vienna as the 1st Prize Winner of the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition.
Penelope also just returned after performing at Carnegie Hall on July 21st as the 1st Prize Winner of the Golden Classical Music Competition.
1. What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Penelope Cheung, and I am 8 years old.
2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?
I have loved music since I was a baby, I think. I was 4 years old when I started playing piano (in the Harmony Road Program with Ms. Christine). I started playing violin when I was 5 years old.
3. Who is your teacher?
My teacher is Marcia.
4. What pieces are you currently working on?
On the piano, I am working on Bach’s Gigue from Partita #1, Schuman’s Fantasy Dance, and Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor.
On the violin, I’m working on Monti’s Czardas and Massenet’s Meditation from Thais.
5. How often do you practice?
I try to practice music everyday.
6. Why do you love music?
I like the way music sounds and makes me feel.
7. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.
For Piano:
· New Mozart Distinguished Honors Student (2020 and 2022)
· New Mozart Practice Challenge (2021 and 2022)
· 2020 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2021 US Open Music Competition – 2nd place (Open Solo)
· 2021 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2022 Golden Classical Music Awards – 1st prize
· 2022 US Open Music Competition – 3rd place (Showcase Piano Solo), 4th place (Open Solo), 4th place (Treasury of Romantic Composers)
· 2022 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition Vienna – 1st prize
· 2022 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition London – 1st prize
· 2022 Crescendo Little Mozarts International Competition – 1st place
For Violin
· 2021 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition London – 1st prize
· 2021 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 2nd place
· 2021 Crescendo Little Mozarts International Competition – 1st place
· 2021 Golden Classical Music Awards – 1st prize
· 2021 Prima Volta Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2021 Elite International Music Competition – 2nd place
· 2021 Crescendo International Music Competition – 3rd place
8. What are some things you like doing besides music?
I like to dance ballet, sing, ski, ice skate, swim, make food with my dad, make YouTube videos, play with my family and my cute little brother, travel with my family, play with my friends, and explore and learn about new things. You can watch my videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/1612ca/videos
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know yet. I want to be many things when I grow up.
Recent New Mozart Student Accomplishments
Congratulations to New Mozart's talented students who have recently won competitions and completed various exams!
Penelope C - First Prize Winner, Golden Classical Music Competition (will perform at Carnegie in the winner’s concert in July). Third Prize Winner, Open Music Competition (Showcase Piano Solo)
Vinca L - Second Prize Winner, American Protégé International Music Talent Competition (will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2023) Third Prize Winner, US Open Piano Competition
Cory T - Third Prize Winner, New Stars Music Competition
Ella M - First Place at SFBAC NATS auditions in Children's Classical Music division,
& First Place in Children's Musical Theatre division
Ria C - Spongebob Squarepants in Spongebob Squarepants The Musical and played The Old Woman as well as being a featured vocalist in The Old Man and the Old Moon both shows at Menlo-Atherton High School and will be attending Harvard University in the fall
Margaret D - The Mayor in Spongebob Squarepants the Musical and Matheson, a main character and narrator of the show in The Old Man and The Old Moon both at Menlo-Atherton High School
Krisaana G- Peninsula Youth Theatre debut as Mal in Descendants The Musical and will be featured in their next show as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof
Benjamin V- Gunn High School Choir Musical
Logan L - Warren in "Ordinary Days" by Adam Gwon in back to back shows at Mid-Pen High School.
Jackson L. - ABRSM grade 1 with Distinction
Ritam S- ABRSM level 5 with Distinction
Olivia L. - ABRSM grade 2 with Merit
Adi B. - ABRSM level 5
Indigo Y - ABRSM initial grade with Distinction
Chloe W - ABRSM grade 3 with Distinction
Cory T - ABRSM grade 1 with Distinction
Maya C - Certificate of Merit level 6 with State Honors
Mira P - Certificate of Merit level 6
Kingston N. - Certificate of Merit level 3 with State Honors
Steven S - Certificate of Merit level 8 with State Honors
Sophie W - Certificate of Merit level 8
Upasana H - Certificate of Merit level 6 with State Honors
Chloe W - Certificate of Merit Level 7
Student Highlight - Vinca Lu
Vinca is a gifted young pianist who started her musical journey in our Harmony Road program when she was just 3.5 years old. She has not looked back since and continues to thrive in her piano study with Dr. Alexander.
1 What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Vinca and I’m 13.
2. How long have you been studying piano and how old were you when you first started?
I’ve been studying piano for 9.5 years. I started at 3.5 with the Harmony Road program taught by Director Christine in NMSM’s old church location.
3. What instrument are you studying now, and who is your teacher?
I’m studying Piano with Dr. Alexander. I have also studied Guitar for a couple of years with Teacher Larry.
4. What pieces are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a few pieces in various stages:
Fantasie-Improptu in C# Minor by Chopin;
Winter Wind Etude in A Minor Op. 25 No. 11 by Chopin
Revolutionary Etude, in C Minor, Op 10. No 12 by Chopin
Intermezzo in A Major by Brahms
5. How often do you practice?
When I was younger I practiced a bit more (roughly 1 hour a day), but now with busier schedule I try to practice 30-45 minutes a day. Sometimes longer when I feel motivated or in the mood for improvising/composing.
6. Tell us about some of your musical accomplishments.
I just won 2nd place for the Best Chopin Performance for the Great Composer Series Competition. Last year I won 2nd place in the US open music competition in the category of Piano Solo Showcase Junior. Just recently, I also arranged and performed a broadway musicals medley to help my school friends with a Zoom Fund Raising concert to help the Broadway Costume Industry Coalition.
I’ve also participated in the US Open music competition in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and won 1st place every year, cross the categories of contemporary elementary level, Baroque intermediate level and mid-level open solo. As a prize winner of the American Protege Piano Competition, I performed at the Carnegie Hall in December 2019.
7. Why do you love music?
Music provides a unique way to express myself that cannot be replaced by anything else.
8. What are some things you like doing besides music?
Pondering about the meaning of life, Playing Minecraft, creating memes, and sometimes playing different types of Rubik’s cubes.
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Thermal Dynamics plus Chemistry theorist